Middletown's Chris Godwin selected to play in the Under Armour All-American football game

Thursday

Oct 31, 2013 at 1:28 PM

Joe Backer

Middletown wide receiver, defensive back and return specialist Chris Godwin has been chosen as one of the best high school senior football players in the nation, and will play in the 7th annual Under Armour All-American Game in January.

The annual contest features the top 90 seniors from across the country. Many of the participants have gone on to play football at major colleges and some as professionals. Godwin has committed to play for Penn State next year.

He was presented his honorary game jersey during the American Family Insurance Selection Tour for the 2014 game at Middletown High School on Friday afternoon in front of his coaches, teachers and Cavalier teammates. The event was part of the three-month American Family Insurance Selection Tour for game.

"I decided to accept the invitation because I've watched it since I was young, and it has always been a dream of mine to play in it," said Godwin. "Now that it is a reality, it's definitely very humbling. To be invited to this game is just a great honor especially knowing that players like Julio Jones and A.J. Green have gone through it. It just lets you know that if your dream is to make it to the NFL, then it's possible."

When asked about his versatility on the field, Godwin said he would do whatever his coaches asked him to do to help win football games for Middletown High School, which he said is a "very special place to play football."

"I still get very excited when I run out on the field in front of the home crowd at Cavalier Stadium," said Godwin.

Middletown head coach Mark DelPercio said Godwin was a special player beginning in his freshman year.

"After his freshman season, we spoke about what he needed to do to improve his game, like get to the weight room and get stronger. Well, he has definitely taken care of that. He's the first one in the weight room and the last one to leave the practice field," he said.

Godwin asked to have his teammates on hand when he received his game jersey.

"That's the kind of young man Chris is," said DelPercio, "He's always thinking about how he can be better and how he can help his team be successful."

The 2014 Under Armour All-America Game is will be nationally televised on ESPN at 4 p.m. on Jan. 2, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The national Selection Tour sponsored by American Family Insurance is aimed at raising awareness around teen driving safety and recognizing the student athletes, as well as the coaches, families and communities who have helped make these players' dreams a reality.